A belated Labor Day tribute - According notes my aunt made in her father's diary, my grandfather Stefan got his first job in the United States a little more than 3 months after his arrival. On April 11, 1921 he began working at the Gotham Ross Park Factory (in or near Binghamton, NY). He worked there 16 weeks "pulling lastes" (I'd love to know what this means!). He then went to work for Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company (June 10, 1921) first working outside with a shovel and pick, and moved inside (Sept. 22, 1921) to the West End Victory Cutting Room "Block". He finally becoming a leather cutter (upper leather machine) Aug. 22, 1922, the job he held until he died, at work, 26 years later.
This photo was taken in 1937 in honor of the employees 100% participation in a Red Cross and company fund drive. My grandfather is pictured in the second row, sitting in the middle, with an open collar and apron.
Endicott-Johnson West End Victory Cutting Room Employees, Photograph, 8 Feb 1937. Digital Image. Privately held by Nolichucky Roots [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE], 2007.
